US3608764A

US3608764A - Safety closure assembly

Info

Publication number: US3608764A
Application number: US855503A
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter Hedgewick
Original assignee: Reflex Corp of Canada Ltd
Current assignee: Reflex Corp of Canada Ltd; Pac-Tec Inc
Priority date: 1969-09-05
Filing date: 1969-09-05
Publication date: 1971-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 1988-09-28
Also published as: FR2047860A1; DE2043596A1; CA940088A; FR2047860B1; GB1265300A; CH528419A

Abstract

A safety closure assembly including a cap of the type which is applied to and removed from a container by a combined axial and rotative motion. A sealing member is carried by the cap and includes a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of the cap, and a sealing portion for engaging the rim of a container. A resilient annular biasing member projects axially from the periphery of the base portion and extends between the cap-engaging portion and sealing portion to bias the cap-engaging portion and sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the cap is biased into locked engagement with the container and maintained in a fixed axial position relative to the container by the annular biasing member which simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Peter Hedgewick Windsor, Ontario, Canada [21] AppLNo. 855,503 [22] Filed Sept. 5, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 [73] Assignee Reflex Corporation of Canada Limited Windsor, Ontario, Canada [54] SAFETY CLOSURE ASSEMBLY 38 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 215/9, 215/40 [51] lnt.Cl B65d55/02 [50] FieldotSearch 2l5/9,40, 44

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,776,066 1/1957 Thornton 215/9X 2,989,204 6/1961 Marx 215/40 3,072,276 1/1963 Nichols v 215/9 3,331,523 7/1967 Exton 215/40 3,344,942 10/1967 Hedgewick... 215/9 3,432,065 3/1969 Bugla 215/9UX Primary ExaminerDonald F. Norton Attorney-Barnard, McGlynn & Reising ABSTRACT: A safety closure assembly including a cap of the type which is applied to and removed from a container by a combined axial and rotative motion. A sealing member is carried by the cap and includes a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of the cap, and a sealing portion for engaging the rim of a container. A resilient annular biasing member projects axially from the periphery of the base poiftion and extends betwe en the cap-engaging portion and sealing portion to bias the cap-engaging portion and sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the cap is biased into locked engagement with the container and maintained in a fixed axial position relative to the container by the annular biasing member which simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion.

SAFETY CLOSURE ASSEMBLY This invention relates generally to containers and closure assemblies and is particularly concerned with a safety closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances that can also provide a liquid and moistureproof seal for the contents of the container.

The number of accidental poisonings resulting from young children having access to unsafe medicines, drugs, and other products is rapidly approaching unacceptable proportions. There has been a-longstanding need for childproof safety closures and containers constructed for economical production in large quantities by mass production techniques. A-childproof safety container and closure must be constructed in such a manner that the type of manipulation required to remove the cap from the container is one that a young child is incapable of-performing. It has become increasingly apparent that most small children are capable of unscrewing a conventional screwcap from a container. However, it has also been found that a. young child is incapable of manipulating a cap that is mounted on a container in such a manner that the cap must be pushed axially relative to the container and then rotated relative to the container in order to remove the cap from the container and provide access to the contents of the container.

l-ledgewick US. Pat. No. 3,344,942 discloses a safety cap and container wherein a plurality of container-locking elements are spaced peripherally from eachother on the outer wall of the mouth portion of the container for engagement with complementary Cap-locking elements on the inner wall of the peripheral skirt projecting axially from the base of the cap. In the device disclosed in the Hedgewick patent, the capand container-locking elements are of the type wherein the cap must be engaged with and disengaged from the container by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container. When the cap is mounted on the container, the caplocking elements are biased against disengagement from the container-locking elements by a spring member in the form of an integral annular web formed on the cap.

When the vial or container contains liquid, the closure must be capable of maintaining an adequate seal under avariety of conditions. For example, the container may contain liquid medicines or the like that require vigorous shaking before being used, and additionally is frequently carried on the person in a pocket or in a pocketbook which may be subject to vigorous motion. Moreover, the entrance of moisture into the container may cause deterioration of the contents, both liquid and solid, over a period of time.

In order to maintain a good seal at the rim of the container, it is desirable that the seal engaging the container rim remain stationary with respect to the rim since a good seal is difficult to maintain when the seal is slidable relative to the container rim. Furthermore, it is desirable that a sealing force or pressure be provided near the rim of the container in order to maintain a secure and adequate seal. Therefore, with safety closures of the type wherein a cap is applied to and removed from the container by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container, it is desirable to provide a seal that will remain stationary with respect to the container rim during rotation of the cap relative to the container.

Several attempts have been made in the prior art to provide an efficient, economic construction to perform both the function of providing a liquid seal which is maintained in sealing engagement with the rim of the cap during rotation of the cap relative to the container, while at the same time providing adequate biasing means to bias the cap toward its locked position with the container. One prior art device includes a concavo-convex base member having inherent spring characteristics such that forces tending to flatten the convavo-convex member are resiliently resisted. The concavo-convex base member overlies the opening of the container mouth and is of a construction such that a substantial portion of the load or forces between the cap and the sealing edge of the concavoconvex member must be transmitted in a direction transverse plied to bias the cap toward locked engagement with theicontainer by the tendency of the flat base portion or plate member to resume its flattened position. See, for example, US. Pat. Nos. 3,072,276; 3,348,717; and 3,432,065. In each case, the biasing force for applying the pressure to the seal and for maintaining the cap in locked engagement with the container is provided by the tendency of the base portion of the sealing member that overlies the container opening to maintain a particular shape thereby requiring the base portion to have inherent spring characteristics of a high degree of reliability since such closures must be expected to be applied to and removed from a container many times. l

An object of this invention is to provide an efficient, economical construction for a safety closure seal wherein the biasing force may be applied directly in an axial direction near the container rimto provide a more efficient sealing construction and a construction having greater structural efficiency and less likelihood of functional deterioration upon repeated use.

A further object is to provide a safety closure assembly including a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, and a sealing member received in the skirt of the cap, such sealing member including a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of the container with an annular resilient biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion for biasing the cap toward locked engagement with the container and at the same time providing a sealing pressure for the sealing portion of the sealing member which engages with the container rim.

Another object is to provide a one-piece safety closure-sealing member adapted to be interposed between a safety cap and container of the type in which the cap is applied to and removed from the container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container and is biased to a fixed axial position relative to the container wherein the sealing member includes a base portion for overlying the container opening with an annular containerrim-engaging sealing portion, an annular-cap engaging portion for engaging the end wall of a cap, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion and extending between the sealing portion and capengaging portion for biasing the sealing portion and cap-engaging portion to axially spaced positions.

A more specific object lies in the provision of a safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially toxic substances including a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim, a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom and receiving the mouth portion with a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of the mount portion of the container for engaging complementary cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of the skirt such that the cap-and container-locking elements are engageable and disengageable by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container with the sealing member interposed between the cap and container and received in the skirt of the cap and having a base portion for overlying the container opening, a capengaging portion engaging the inner surface of the end wall of the cap and a sealing portion engaging the container rim with a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion biasing the cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart at distance corresponding to the fixed axial position to seal the container and maintain the locking elements engaged, wherein the frictional resistance between the cap-contacting portion and cap end wall is less than the frictional resistance between the sealing portion and container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container.

In achieving the foregoing, and other objects, a safety closure assembly according to the present invention includes a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving the mouth of the container with a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of the skirt for engaging complementary container-locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion, or by combined axial and relative motion of the cap relative to the container. A sealing member is received in the skirt and includes a base portion overlying the opening of the container mouth, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of the cap, a container rim-engaging sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion which biases the cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member urges the cap to a fixed axial position relative to the container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion. The frictional resistance of the cap to rotation relative to the cap-engaging portion of the sealing member is less than the frictional resistance to rotation of the container-rimengaging sealing portion to the container rim such that the cap can be rotated between its locked and unlocked positions relative to the container without causing rotation of the sealing portion relative to the container rim.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a safety closure assembly and a portion of a container embodying one form of the invention with the cap of the safety closure assembly in its locked position relative to the container;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the cap of the safety closure assembly axially depressed to an unlocked position relative to the container;

FIG. 3 is an end view of a safety container suitable for use with the safety closure assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the container of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 including a second form of a safety closure assembly embodying the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 including a third form of safety closure assembly embodying the invention.

A safety container and closure assembly according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a container designated collectively by reference numeral 2 having a mouth portion 4 with an annular rim 6. The container 2 may be of the configuration disclosed in Hedgewick US. Pat. No. 3,344,942 and as illustrated includes a body portion 3 of general cylindrical configuration. Formed on the outer surface of the mouth portion 4 and projecting outwardly therefrom is a plurality of container-locking elements 8 spaced peripherally from each other and including a notch 10 formed between a cam surface 14 and a depending stop portion 12.

The safety closure assembly for container 2 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a cap 16 having an end wall 18 with a peripheral skirt 20 projecting axially therefrom for receiving the mouth portion 4 of the container 2. A plurality of cap-locking elements 22 are spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of skirt 20. The cap-locking elements 22 are in the form of radially inwardly projecting lugs integrally molded with the skirt 20. The cap-locking elements 22 are complementary with the container-lockingelements 8 such that the locking elements or lugs 22 are engageable with the notches 10 in the container-locking elements 8. More specifically, the cap-locking elements,22 are engageable with and disengageable from the container-locking elements 8 by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap 16 relative to the container 2. In order to apply the cap 16 to the container 2, the cap-locking elements 22 are aligned with the-spaced 8a between the adjacent container-locking elements 8 with the mouth portion 4 received in the skirt 20. Rotation of the cap relative to the container 2 causes the cap-locking elements 22 to engage the respective cam surfaces 14 until the lock-ing ele ments 22 come into axial alignment with the notches 10. With the upper surfaces of the lugs or locking elements 22 engaged with the upper surface of the respective notch 10, the end wall 18 of cap 16 has a fixed axial position relative to rim 6 since the cap-locking elements are located an equal axial distance from the end wall 18 on skirt 20 and the container-locking elements 8 are located an equal axial distance from rim 6.

Interposed between the cap 16 and container 2 is a sealing member designated collectively by reference numeral 24 and which is received in the skirt 20.

The sealing member 24 comprises a base portion 26 for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a capengaging portion 28 engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a sealing portion 32 engaging the container rim 6, and a resilient annular biasing member 34 projecting axially from the periphery of base portion 26 biasing the capengaging portion 28 and sealing portion 32 apart a distance corresponding to the fixed axial position of the cap 18 relative to the container rim 6 when the cap is in locked engagement with the container to seal the container 2 and maintain the

locking elements

22 and 8 engaged. The frictional resistance to rotation between the cap-contacting portion 28 and end wall surface 30 is less than the frictional resistance to rotation between the sealing portion 32 and the container rim 6 such that the sealing member 24 remains stationary with respect to the container 2 when the cap is rotated relative to the container.

The container 2 may further include a rib 36 projecting radially inwardly on the inner surface of the container adjacent the rim 6. The sealing portion 32 includes a radially outwardly extending flange 38 overlying rim 6, and an axially extending portion 40 engaging the rib 36. Molded integrally with the base portion 26 is a reversed looped portion defining the annular biasing member 34 and including an inner annular sidewall 42 extending axially from the periphery of the base portion 26, an intermediate annular sidewall 44 extending from the outer end of the inner sidewall 42 to the opposite side of the base portion 26, and an outer annular sidewall 40 extending in a return direction from the end of the' intermediate sidewall 44 which is located on the opposite side of base por tion 26 from the inner sidewall 42 toward the base portion 26. The inner and

intermediate sidewalls

42 and 44, respectively, define an annular looped portion the free end of which is defined by the adjoining ends of

walls

42 and 44, and which free end defines the cap-engaging portion 28. The outer sidewall defines an axially extending container-wall-engaging portion of the sealing portion 32 for engaging the inner surface of the container wall adjacent the container rim.

The radially outwardly extending flange 38 of the sealing portion 32 extends from the end of the outer sidewall 40 opposite its juncture with the intermediate sidewall 44, and an annular bead 46is formed on flange 38 and extends axially therefrom, the flange 38 overlying the rim, and bead 46 engaging the rim when the

locking elements

8 and 22 are engaged.

Interengageable snap fastening attachment means 48 is formed on the end wall of cap 16 and on the base portion 26 of sealing member 24 for detachably securing the sealing member 24 to the cap 16 in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatable relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of the cap. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the cap attachment element 50 'of the snap fastening means 48 comprises a stud projecting from the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 and formed integrally therewith. Stud 50 has an enlarged outer end. The sealing member attachment element 52 of the attachment means 48 includes a socket member formed integrally on the base portion 26 for receiving the stud 50. Socket member 52 has a flexible wall and is of hollow cross section with an outer end 54 smaller than the enlarged end of stud 50 so that the base portion 26 can be snapped onto and off of stud 50.

The unstressed configuration of the sealing member 24 is indicated in phantom lines in FIG. 1. In the unstressed configuration of the sealing member, the cap-contacting portion 28 is spaced from the container-rim-engaging lower surface of the bead 46 a distance greater than the axial distance between the end wall 18 and container rim 6 when the

locking elements

8 and 22 are in locked engagement with each other. Consequently, when the cap is applied to the container, the annular biasing member 34 is resiliently distorted as illustrated in FIG. I so that it exerts a constant biasing force between the cap and container rim to maintain the cap in its fixed axial position relative to the container, and at the same time apply a sealing force between the sealing portion 32 and the container. The configuration is such that when the cap is in the locked position as shown in FIG. 1, the outer sidewall 40 of the reversed loop portion exerts a radial force against the inner surface of the container 2, or against rib 36,'due to the action of the annular biasing member 34 and the distortion of the intermediate sidewall 44. Furthermore, an axial force is applied to urge the bead 46 into sealing contact with rim 6. The relative sizes of the stud 50 and socket member 52 are such that there is little frictional resistance to rotation between the stud and

socket

50 and 52.

The frictional forces between the cap contacting portion 28 and the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap 16 is substantially less than the frictional forces between the contacting surfaces of the sealing portion 32 with the rim 6 and with the rib 36, or inner surface of the container. Consequently, when the cap 16 is pushed axially toward the container rim 6 to the position shown in FIG. 2 to permit disengagement of the cap-locking elements 22 from the notch 10 of the container-locking elements 8, the cap can be rotated to bring the cap-locking elements 22 into alignment with the space 8a between the container-locking elements 8 without causing rotation of the sealing portion 38 relative to the container. That is to say, the frictional resistance to rotation between the cap 16 and sealing portion 24 is such that the capcontacting portion 28 of the sealing member slides relative to the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 during rotation of the cap relative to the container, and the sealing member 24 remains stationary with respect to the container.

In the unstressed configuration of the sealing member 24, the base portion 26 is substantially planar, and the sealing flange 38 overlies the upper surface of the cap-locking lugs 22 when the closure assembly including cap 16 and sealing member 24 is removed from the container 2.

The sealing member 24 is constructed in such a manner that it can be molded in one piece from suitable plastic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and similar materials. The cap may be also molded in one piece from the same materials. The container 2 may also be of molded plastic material, however, the closure assembly including cap 16 and sealing member 24 may also be used with containers of glass and other materials.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the cap and container are of identical construction to the cap and container shown in the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 and, consequently, the same reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts of the cap and container.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, a sealing member 60 is interposed between the cap 16 and container 2 and is received in skirt of the cap. Sealing member 60 comprises a base portion 62foroverlying the open end of the mouth of container 2, a cap-engaging portion 64 engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a sealing portion 66 engaging the coning axially from the periphery of the base portion and extend-' ing between the cap-engaging portion 64 and sealing portion 66 for biasing the cap-engaging portion 64 and sealing portion 66 apart a distance corresponding to the fixed axial position of the cap relative to the container when the cap is in locked engagement with the container to seal the container and maintain the

locking elements

8 and 22 engaged.

The sealing portion 66 includes a radially outwardly extending flange overlying the rim 6 of the container, and an axially extending portion 72, the outer surface of which engages the rib 36 projecting radially inwardly on the inner surface of the container adjacent rim 6. The biasing member 68 is in the form of an annular resilient web having an inner annular end 74 joined integrally to the base portion 62. The web extends axially from the base portion and terminates in an outer annular free end 64 which defines the cap-engaging portion. The diameter of the outer annular free end 64 is larger than the diameter of the inner annular end 74, and the web is curved outwardly from the inner end 72 to the outer end 64 so that the outer end moves substantially solely axially toward the inner end, or toward the base 62, upon flexure of the web without circumferentially and radially stretching the outer annular free end. This action is illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 5. The unstressed position of the outer annular free end of web 68 is illustrated at 64a,and the approximate position of the outer annular free end when the cap is depressed to disengage the cap-locking elements 22 from the container-locking elements 8 is illustrated at 64b. The web, as it is depressed,

folds backwards toward base 62 without radially and circumferentially stretching the free end 64, which would subject the web to circumferential or hoop stresses tending to crack the web. There is substantially no change in the radial or circumferential dimension of the web when it is flexed toward the sealing portion 66 from its unstressed position as illustrated at The biasing force applied by the annular biasing web v68 tends to cause the axially depending portion 72 of the sealing portion 66 to apply a radially outward pressure against the inner surface of the container, or against rib 36, due to the engagement of flange 70 with rim 6. The axial force exerted by the annular web 68 also causes a sealing pressure to be applied between flange 70 and'rim 6. The base portion 62 may be planar with the web 68 projecting axially from its periphery. As is the case in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing member 60 is formed with a centrally located snap fastening socket element for receiving the stud 50. Element 80 is of substantially identical construction to the socket member 52 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and therefore will not be described in detail. t

The frictional contact between the cap contacting portion 64 and the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap'provides substantially less resistance to sliding movement between the two surfaces than the frictional contact between the sealing portion 66 and the container 2. Thus, when the cap 16 is depressed axially toward the container rim 6 from the position shown in FIG. 5 to disengage the cap-locking elements 22 from the container-locking elements 8, and is then rotated to bring the cap-locking elements 22 into alignment with the spaces 8a (FIG. 3) between the container-locking elements 8, the sealing member 60 remains stationary with respect to the container, the cap rotating with respect to the sealing member 60 as well as the cap carries the container 2. Sealing member 60 of FIG. 5 is constructed to be molded in one piece from suitable plastic materials such -as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and the like.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the cap and container constructions are also of substantially identical construction to the cap and container of the previously described embodi: ments and will therefore notbe described in detail. In FIG. 6 embodiment, a sealing member 82 is interposed between the cap 16 and container 2 and is received in the skirt 20 of. the cap. Sealing member 82 comprises a base portion 84 for over lying the open end of the mouth of container 2, a cap-engaging tainer rim, and a resilient annular biasing member 68 projectportion in the form of

annular ribs

86, 88 and 90 projecting axially from the upper surface of the base portion 84, a sealing portion 92 engaging the container rim 6, and a resilient annular biasing member 94 projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion 84 and extending between the cap-engaging portion 86 and sealing portion 92 for biasing the cap-engaging portions 86 and sealing portion 92 apart a distance corresponding to the fixed axial position of the cap relative to the container when the

locking elements

8, 22 are engaged to seal the container and maintain the

locking elements

8 and 22 in engagement with each other.

The sealing member 82 of FIG. 6 is also of one piece construction and may be of resilient elastomeric material such as rubber, or of synthetic organic plastic having rubberlike characteristics. The annular biasing member 94 comprises a resilient elastomeric ring having an inner annular end 96 molded integrally with the base portion, the ring 94 projecting axially from the base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end 92 which defines the container-rim-engaging sealing portion. The diameter of the outer annular free end 92 of the elastomeric ring 94 is greater than the diameter of the inner annular end 96 such that the ring 94 is of frustoconical configuration. The thickness of the wall of the ring decreases slightly from the inner annular end 96 to the outer annular free end 92. As stated previously, the

annular ribs

86, 88 and 90 projecting from the upper surface of base 84 define the cap-contacting portion of the sealing member and reduce the frictional engagement between the sealing member and inner surface 30 of the end wall 18. Cap 16 in the FIG. 6 embodiment is provided with a stud 98 which is of similar construction to the stud 50 shown in the previously described embodiments with the exception that stud 98 is of somewhat less length. Stud 98 is received in a frustoconical socket 100 formed in the central portion of base portion 84 of the sealing member 82 so that the stud 98 and socket 100 comprise interengageable snap-fastening elements for detachably securing the sealing member 82 to the cap 16 in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatable relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of the cap due to the fact that the stud 98 has an enlarged outer end and the socket member 100 is of complementary shape.

The sealing portion 92 of the axially projecting ring 94 overlies the rim 6 of the container as well as the upper edges of the container-locking elements 8. The unstressed length of the ring 94 is, of course, greater than the axial distance between the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 and the rim 6 when the

locking elements

8 and 22 are engaged so that the ring 94 biases the cap 16 to the fixed axial position relative to rim 6 illustrated in FIG. 6. The compression force applied in the axially extending ring 94 also applies a sealing pressure between the contacting

surfaces

92 and 6 of the ring 94 and container rim, respectively. The resistance to rotation between the

annular ribs

86, 88, 90 and the inner surface 30 of the end wall of the cap is less than the resistance to rotation between the contacting

surfaces

92 and 6 of the ring and container, respectively, with the result that depression of the cap in an axial direction to disengage the cap-locking lugs 22 from the container-locking elements 8 followed by rotative motion of the cap relative to the container does not cause the sealing member 82 to rotate with respect to the container. Additional frictional resistance to rotation of the sealing member relative to the container is provided by the tendency of the elastomeric material to extend slightly axially into the spaces 8a (FIG. 3) between the container-locking elements 8 to provide a direct mechanical restraint against rotation of the sealing surface 92 with respect to the rim 6.

Thus, each of the three embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 include a safety closure assembly comprising a cap 16 of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container 2 by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the container 2. The cap of each embodiment includes an end wall 18 with a peripheral skirt 20 projecting axially from the end wall 18 for receiving the mouth portion 4 of the container 2. Cap-locking elements fashion.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a sealing member 24 received in the skirt 20 having a base portion 26 for overlying the opening of the mouth portion 4 of container 2, a cap-engaging portion 28 for engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a container rim-engaging sealing portion 32, and a resilient annular biasing member 34 projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion 24 for biasing the cap-engaging portion 28 and container-rim-engaging sealing portion 32 to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on the container 2, the annular biasing member 34 biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to the container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, a sealing member 60 is received in the skirt 20 and includes a base portion 62 for overlying the opening of the container mouth 4, a cap-engaging portion 64 for engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion 66, and a resilient annular biasing member 68 projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion for biasing the cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to the container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion 66.

Similarly, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, a sealing member 82 is received in the skirt 20 and includes a base portion 84 for overlying the container opening, a cap-engaging

portion

86, 88, for engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion 92, and a resilient annular biasing member 94 projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion for biasing the cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion 92 to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container 2, the annular biasing member 94 biases the cap 16 to a fixed axial position relative to container 2 and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion 92.

While specific forms of the invention have been illustrated and described in the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact construction shown, but that various alternatives in the construction and arrangement of parts, all falling within the scope and spirit of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container, a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary container locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt, said sealing member including a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of said cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion for biasing said cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion; said annular biasing member comprising an annular looped portion molded integrally with said base portion at the periphery thereof, the outer free end of said annular looped portion constituting said cap-engaging portion.

2. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including; anend wall with a peripheral skirtprojecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container, a plurality of cap-locking elements, spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary containerlocking elements ona container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt, said sealing member including a base-portion. for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the-inner surface of the end walllof said cap, acontainer-rim-engagingsealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion for biasing saidcap engagingportion and container-rim-engagingtsealing portion to. axially spaced. positions such that when the: cap is placed on a,container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously applies pressure, to the. sealing portion; a reversed looped. portion being. molded integrally. with said base portion and includingan inner annular sidewalliextending axially from the periphery, of said baseportion, anvinter mediate annular sidewall extending fromthe. outer end of said inner sidewallto the opposite side of said-base portion, and an outer annular sidewall-extending from the end of said' intermediate sidewall' located on said oppositesidein: a returndirection toward said base portion, said inner and intermediate sidewalls defining said annular biasingmemberwith the adjoiningends thereof defining said cap engagingrportion, said outer sidewall defining apcontainer wall engaging portion of said sealing portion for engaging the-inner surface of:a-container wall adjacent .the container rim.

3. A safety closure assembly as-claimediin claim 2.wherein:

said sealingportion further-includesa radially outwardly extending rim-engaging sealing flange on the end of saidrouter sidewall opposite itsjuncture with said-intermediate sidewall for overlying a containerrim.

4; A safety closureassembly as claimed in .claim 3"further including an annularbead formedon said rim-engagingsealing flange and projecting axially therefrom in a direction to engage a container rim.-

5. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 4 .further includinginterengageable attachment means centrally located on said base, portion and end wall, respectively, for rotatably and detachably securingsaid base portion to. said end wall.

6..A safety closure assemblycomprising: acap of the: type adapted to beapplied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relativeto such container, said cap including; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially-from saidendwall face of theend wall of said cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from theperipher-y of said baseportion for biasing said cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion, to axiallyspaced positions such that when thecap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial. position relative to such'containerand simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing'portion; said sealing portion including a radially outwardlyextending rimengaging sealing flange for overlying a'container rim, and an axiallyextending container-wall-engaging:portion for engag ing the inner surface of a container wall adjacent the container rim; said annular biasing member comprising a hollow resilient webof annular cross section having an inner annular end joined integrally to said base portion at-the periphery thereof, said web extending axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end defining said cap-engaging portion.

7. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end islarger than the diameter of said outer annular free end is larger than the diameter'of said inner annular end.

8.. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted. to be applied to and: removed from' a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said capincluding; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary container locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt, said sealing member including'a base portionifor overlying the opening'of the mouth of a container, a cap-engagingfportion for engaging the inner surface of theendwall of said cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion, andaresilient annular biasingmember projecting axiallyfromvthe peripheryv ofsaid base portion forb'iasing said cap engaging portion and'container-rim-engaging sealing'portion to axially: spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container,the"annular 'biasingimember biases the cap to a fixedaxialsposition relative to such container andsimultaneously applies pressure to the'sealing portion; said 'annular biasing member comprising an annular resilient web havinganinner annular end joined integrally 'tosaid base portion, said web extending axially from said 'base portion 9. A'- safety 'closure assembly: as claimed in claim 8 wherein the diameterrof said outer annular freeend is larger than the diameter ofzsaid inner annular end, and said web is curved outwardly from said inner end'to said outerend'so that said outer end is movable solely axiallytoward said inner endupon flexure of said' web without circumferentially and radially stretching said outer annularfree end; 7 7

l0. Aisafety closureassembly as claimed in claim9 further includingcentrally located interengageable snap fastening at tachmentelements formed'on said base portion and the end' wall of said cap for rotatably and detachably connecting'said baseportion with said end wall 111A safety-containeriand closure assembly for medicines and other-potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap, having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting 1 axially therefrom for-receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements 'spaced peripherallyfrom each other on theouter surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of caplockingelements spaced peripherally fromeach otheron the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and; rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said'cap-locking elements being located an'equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance-from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged;'a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and'received in saidskirt comprising a'base portion for-overlying the open'end of the mouth' of the container, a cap-engagingportion engagingthe inner surface of said end wall, a sealing'portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing'member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to'said fixed axial position to seal said container and-maintain said lockinglelements engaged,the frictional resistance between "said cap contacting portion and'end wall being less tha'nthe frictional resistance between said sealing portion 'and container-rim'such that thesealingmember remains stationary withrespect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the containeryand a rib projecting radially inwardly on the inner surface of the container adjacent the rim. Y i

12. A safety container closure assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein said sealing portion includes a radially outwardly extending flange overlying said rim and an axially extending portion engaging said rib.

13. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of caplocking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less tan the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; a reversed looped portion being molded integrally with said base portion and including an inner annular sidewall extending axially from the periphery of said base por tion, an intermediate annular sidewall extending from the outer end of said inner sidewall to the opposite side of said base portion, and an outer annular sidewall extending from the end of said intermediate sidewall located on said opposite side in a return direction toward said base portion, said inner and intermediate sidewalls defining said annular biasing member with the adjoining ends thereof defining said cap-engaging portion, said outer sidewall defining a container-wallengaging portion of said sealing portion for engaging the inner surface of the container wall adjacent said container rim.

14. A safety container and closure assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein said sealing portion further includes a radially outwardly extending flange on the end of said outer sidewall opposite its juncture with said intermediate sidewall, and an annular bead formed on said flange and extending axially therefrom, said flange overlying said rim, and said bead engaging said rim when the locking elements are engaged.

15. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 14 further including interengageable attachment means centrally located on said base portion and end wall, respectively, for rotatably and detachably securing said base portion to said end wall.

16. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of caplocking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking elements being engagcablc with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; said annular biasing member comprising an annular resilient web having an inner annular and joined integrally to said base portion, said web extending axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end, said free end defining said cap-engaging portion.

17. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end is larger than the diameter of said inner annular end, and said web is curved outwardly from said inner end to said outer end so that said outer end is movable solely axially toward said inner end upon flexure of said web without circumferentially and radially stretching said outer annular free end.

18. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 17 further including centrally located interengageable snap fastening attachment elements formed on said base portion and the end wall of said cap for rotatably and detachably connecting said base portion with said end wall.

19. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements space peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of caplocking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking element being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged, a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; said annular biasing member comprising a resilient elastomeric ring having an inner annular end molded integrally with said base portion, said ring projecting axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end, said free end defining said container-rim-engaging sealing portion, the diameter of said outer annular free end being greater than the diameter of said inner annular end such that said ring is of frustoconical configuration, the thickness of the wall of said ring decreasing from said inner annular end to said outer annular free end.

20. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 19 including at least one annular rib projecting from the surface of said base portion opposite said ring, said rib defining said cap-contacting portion.

21. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 20 further including interengageable snap fastening attachment elements on the end wall of said cap and the base portion of said sealing member for detachably securing said sealing member tosaid cap in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatably relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of said cap.

22. Safety closure means including a one-piece plastic sealing member having substantially planar base portion, a reversed looped portion molded integrally with said base portion and extending generally axially from the periphery of said base portion, said reversed looped portion including an inner annular sidewall portion extending axially and radially outwardly from the periphery of said base portion, an intermediate annular sidewall portion extending axially and radially outwardly from the outer end of said inner sidewall in the opposite direction with respect to said base portion, and an outer annular sidewall extending axially and radially outwardlyfrom the remote end of said intermediate sidewall with respect to the adjacent ends of the inner and intermediate sidewalls and in the opposite direction from said intermediate sidewall with respect to said base portion, and a radially outwardly projecting flange on the end of said outer annular sidewall remote from its juncture with the intermediate annular sidewall; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt extending axially from said end wall and receiving said sealing member, a plurality of locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion, and interengageable snap-fastening elements on said end wall and said base portion detachably and rotatably securing said base portion to said end wall.

23. Safety closure means including a' one-piece molded plastic sealing member having a substantially planar base portion, an annular resilient web having an inner annular end moldedintegrally to said base portion and extending axially and radially therefrom and terminating in an outer annular free end, said web being curved outwardly from said inner annular end to said outer annular and such that the outer annular end is movable substantially solely axially toward said inner annular end, a container rim engaging sealing portion extending outwardly from the juncture of said inner annular end with the base portion; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt extending axially from said end wall and receiving said sealing member, a plurality of locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion, and interengageable snap-fastening elements on said end wall and said base portion detachably and rotatably securing said base portion to said end wall.

24. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container, a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of the said skirt for engaging complementary container-locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt, said sealing member including a base portion foroverlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of said cap, a container-rim engaging sealing portion, and a resilient biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion for biasing said cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion; said biasing member having an annular end portion spaced axially from said base portion and a sidewall of annular cross secton extending between said end portion and said base portion.

25. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 24 further including interengageable snap-fastening attachment elements on the end wall of said cap and the base portion of said sealing member for detachably securing said sealing member to said cap in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatably relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of said cap.

26. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 25 wherein the cap attachment element comprises a stud projecting from the inner surface of said end wall, said stud having an enlarged outer end; and said sealing member attachment element includes a socket member formed integrally on said base portion for receiving said stud, said socket member having a flexible wall with an outer end smaller than the enlarged end of said stud so that the base portion can be snapped onto and off of said stud.

27. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein said sealing portion includes a radially outwardly extending rim-engaging sealing flange of overlying a container rim, and an axially extending container-wall-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of a container wall adjacent the container rim.

28. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein said annular biasing member comprises a resilient elastomeric ring having an inner annular end molded integrally with said base portion, said ring projecting axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end, said free end defining said container-rim-engaging sealing portion.

29. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 28 wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end is greater than the diameter of said inner annular end such that said rin is of frustoconical configuration. t

30. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 29 wherein the thickness of the wall of said ring decreases from said inner annular end to said outer annular free end.

31. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 30 including at least one annular rib projecting from the surface of said base portion opposite said ring, said rib defining said cap-contacting portion.

32. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 28 including at least one annular rib projecting from the surface of said base portion opposite said ring, said rib defining said cap-contacting portion. I

33. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 32 further including interengageable snap fastening attachment elements on the end wall of said cap and the base portion of said sealing member for detachably securing said sealing member to said cap in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatably relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of said cap.

34. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim .33 wherein the cap attachment element comprises a stud projecting from the inner surface of said end wall, said stud having an enlarged outer end; and said sealing member attachment ele-, ment includes a socket member formed integrally on said base portion for receiving said stud, said socket member having a flexible wall with an outer end smaller than the enlarged end of said stud so that the base portion can be snapped onto and off of said stud.

35. A- safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 28 further including interengageable snap-fastening attachment elements on the end wall of said cap and the base portion of said sealing member for detachably securing said sealing member to said cap in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatably relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of said cap..

36. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 35 wherein the cap attachment element comprises a stud projecting from the inner surface of said end wall, said stud having an ment includes a socket member formed integrally on said base portion for receiving said stud, said socket member having a flexible wall with an outer 'end smaller than the enlarged end of said stud so that the base portion can be snapped onto and off of said stud.

37. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of caplocking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said caplocking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged; said biasing member having an annular end portion spaced axially from said base portion and a sidewall of annular cross section extending between said end portion and said base portion, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion an container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container.

38. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 74 wherein said biasing member comprises a resilient elastomeric ring projecting axially from said base portion and terminating in said annular end portion, said annular end portion defining said container-rim-engaging sealing portion, said ring having an inner annular end molded integrally with said base portion, said ring being of frustoconical configuration such that the diameter thereof increases from said inner annular end.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No- 3,608 .764 D t d Se tember Q8. 1971 Inventor(s) Peter Hedgewick It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 4 "spaced" should be spaces-. Column 6, line 70 after "in" insert the--. Column 9, line 53 after "wall" insert for. Column 10, line 6 after "than the" delete "diameter of said outer annular free end is larger than the"; Column 10, line 31 after "portion" insert and terminating in an outer annular free end, said free end definim said cap engaging portion-. Column 11, line 20 after "axial" delete "distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixe axial"; Column 11, line 33 "tan" should be "than-Q. Column 13, line 13 after "having" insert -a; Column 13, line 44 "and" should be end-; Column 13, line 64 after "of" delete "the". Column 14, line 24 "of" should be --for--. Column 16, line 12 "an" should be --and-.--; Column 16, line 15 "74" should be Signed and sealed this 16th day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLEICHER, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Com issioner of Patents FORM 90-1050 USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 E US GOVEWNMENT PR'NTING OFFICE! '9. 0-355'53

Claims

2. A safety closuRe assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container, a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary container-locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt, said sealing member including a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of said cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion for biasing said cap engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion; a reversed looped portion being molded integrally with said base portion and including an inner annular side wall extending axially from the periphery of said base portion, an intermediate annular sidewall extending from the outer end of said inner sidewall to the opposite side of said base portion, and an outer annular side wall extending from the end of said intermediate sidewall located on said opposite side in a return direction toward said base portion, said inner and intermediate sidewalls defining said annular biasing member with the adjoining ends thereof defining said cap engaging portion, said outer sidewall defining a container wall engaging portion of said sealing portion for engaging the inner surface of a container wall adjacent the container rim.

3. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sealing portion further includes a radially outwardly extending rim-engaging sealing flange on the end of said outer sidewall opposite its juncture with said intermediate sidewall for overlying a container rim.

4. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 3 further including an annular bead formed on said rim-engaging sealing flange and projecting axially therefrom in a direction to engage a container rim.

5. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 4 further including interengageable attachment means centrally located on said base portion and end wall, respectively, for rotatably and detachably securing said base portion to said end wall.

6. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall receiving the mouth of a container, a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary container-locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt said sealing member including a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of said cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion for biasing said cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion; said sealing portion including a radially outwardly extending rim-engaging sealing flange for overlying a contAiner rim, and an axially extending container-wall-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of a container wall adjacent the container rim; said annular biasing member comprising a hollow resilient web of annular cross section having an inner annular end joined integrally to said base portion at the periphery thereof, said web extending axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end defining said cap-engaging portion.

7. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end is larger than the diameter of said outer annular free end is larger than the diameter of said inner annular end.

8. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container, a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary container locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt, said sealing member including a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of said cap, a container-rim-engaging sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion for biasing said cap engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion; said annular biasing member comprising an annular resilient web having an inner annular end joined integrally to said base portion, said web extending axially from said base portion

9. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end is larger than the diameter of said inner annular end, and said web is curved outwardly from said inner end to said outer end so that said outer end is movable solely axially toward said inner end upon flexure of said web without circumferentially and radially stretching said outer annular free end.

10. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 9 further including centrally located interengageable snap fastening attachment elements formed on said base portion and the end wall of said cap for rotatably and detachably connecting said base portion with said end wall.

11. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annuLar biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; and a rib projecting radially inwardly on the inner surface of the container adjacent the rim.

13. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; a reversed looped portion being molded integrally with said base portion and including an inner annular sidewall extending axially from the periphery of said base portion, an intermediate annular sidewall extending from the outer end of said inner sidewall to the opposite side of said base portion, and an outer annular sidewall extending from the end of said intermediate sidewall located on said opposite side in a return direction toward said base portion, said inner and intermediate sidewalls defining said annular biasing member with the adjoining ends thereof defining said cap-engaging portion, said outer sidewall defining a container-wall-engaging portion of said sealing portion for engaging the inner surface of the container wall adjacent said container rim.

16. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; said annular biasing member comprising an annular resilient web having an inner annular and joined integrally to said base portion, said web extending axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end, said free end defining said cap-engaging portion.

19. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking element being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged, a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; said annular biasing member comprising a resilient elastomeric ring having an inner annular end molded integrally with said base portion, said ring projecting axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end, said free end defining said container-rim-engaging sealing portion, the diameter of said outer annular free end being greater than the diameter of said inner annular end such that said ring is of frustoconical configuration, the thickness of the wall of said ring decreasing from said inner annular end to said outer annular free end.

21. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 20 further including interengageable snap fastening attachment elements on the end wall of said cap and the base portion of said sealing member for detachably securing said sealing member to said cap in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatably relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of said cap.

22. Safety closure means including a one-piece plastic sealing member having substantially planar base portion, a reversed looped portion molded integrally with said base portion and extending generally axially from the periphery of said base portion, said reversed looped portion including an inner annular sidewall portion extending axially and radially outwardly from the periphery of said base portion, an intermediate annular sidewall portion extending axially and radially outwardly from the outer end of said inner sidewall in the opposite direction with respect to said base portion, and an outer annular sidewall extending axially and radially outwardly from the remote end of said intermediate sidewall with respect to the adjacent ends of the inner and intermediate sidewalls and in the opposite direction from said intermediate sidewall with respect to said base portion, and a radially outwardly projecting flange on the end of said outer annular sidewall remote from its juncture with the intermediate annular sidewall; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt extending axially from said end wall and receiving said sealing member, a plurality of locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion, and interengageable snap-fastening elements on said end wall and said base portion detachably and rotatably securing said base portion to said end wall.

23. Safety closure means including a one-piece molded plastic sealing member having a substantially planar base portion, an annular resilient web having an inner annular end molded integrally to said base portion and extending axially and radially therefrom and terminating in an outer annular free end, said web being curved outwardly from said inner annular end to said outer annular end such that the outer annular end is movable substantially solely axially toward said inner annular end, a container rim engaging sealing portion extending outwardly from the juncture of said inner annular end with the base portion; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt extending axially from Said end wall and receiving said sealing member, a plurality of locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion, and interengageable snap-fastening elements on said end wall and said base portion detachably and rotatably securing said base portion to said end wall.

24. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including; an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container, a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary container-locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion and a sealing member received in said skirt, said sealing member including a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of said cap, a container-rim engaging sealing portion, and a resilient biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion for biasing said cap-engaging portion and container-rim-engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion; said biasing member having an annular end portion spaced axially from said base portion and a sidewall of annular cross secton extending between said end portion and said base portion.

27. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein said sealing portion includes a radially outwardly extending rim-engaging sealing flange 4 overlying a container rim, and an axially extending container-wall-engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of a container wall adjacent the container rim.

29. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 28 wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end is greater than the diameter of said inner annular end such that said ring is of frustoconical configuration.

32. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 28 including at lEast one annular rib projecting from the surface of said base portion opposite said ring, said rib defining said cap-contacting portion.

34. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 33 wherein the cap attachment element comprises a stud projecting from the inner surface of said end wall, said stud having an enlarged outer end; and said sealing member attachment element includes a socket member formed integrally on said base portion for receiving said stud, said socket member having a flexible wall with an outer end smaller than the enlarged end of said stud so that the base portion can be snapped onto and off of said stud.

35. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 28 further including interengageable snap-fastening attachment elements on the end wall of said cap and the base portion of said sealing member for detachably securing said sealing member to said cap in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatably relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of said cap.

36. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 35 wherein the cap attachment element comprises a stud projecting from the inner surface of said end wall, said stud having an enlarged outer end; and said sealing member attachment element includes a socket member formed integrally on said base portion for receiving said stud, said socket member having a flexible wall with an outer end smaller than the enlarged end of said stud so that the base portion can be snapped onto and off of said stud.

37. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of cap-locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container-locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member interposed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient biasing member projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged; said biasing member having an annular end portion spaced axially from said base portion and a sidewall of annular cross section extending between said end portion and said base portion, the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion and container rim such that the sealing member remains stationary with respect to the container when the cap is rotated relative to the container.